South Carolina outlast Shamrocks

The New York Shamrocks knew that they were up against it when they traveled to South Carolina with a depleted squad at the weekend. Fielding a team of mainly trialists hoping to make the professional ranks, the South Carolina Shamrocks ran out to a 3-1 victory against a New York side bereft of talented players like Ray Elsesser, Johan Lannon, Michael Bishop, Billy Henderson and Tim Cummins. In fairness, though, it was some of those that filled in for the absent that stole the limelight. Fergal Barrett, most notably, gave notice that should the door open, he’s well capable of stepping in. Barrett not only gave the Carolina team headaches at the back, but his willingness to help out his own defense saw him cover almost every blade of grass on the pitch.s

The home team took control in the early stages and only some good defending and sound goalkeeping by Kevin McPartland kept the score level at nil. A 5-minute attacking spell between the 21st and 26th minutes produced two goals, though, and it looked like the Shamrocks would be swamped. A combination of grit, determination and vociferous support, led by choirmaster Sean Conlon, saw the New Yorkers hold the opposition to two at the break.

New York began the second half with great gusto. Ger Watson caused many problems with his speedy runs down the flanks, and Darren Thunder just failed to head home from a couple of the resultant crosses. But just as the away team were looking like they might get back into it, Carolina nicked a third on a breakaway. A great through ball from Terry Lawless found Burgess who shot home giving McPartland no chance.

To their credit, the Shamrocks refused to lie down and their resilience was rewarded when Ger Watson curled a 25-yard free-kick into the top corner of the Carolina net with 20 minutes remaining. The New Yorkers continued to attack, but despite the best efforts of Mark Behan and Emmet Macken, they failed to break down the strong Carolina defense. The Shamrock back four of Eugene Smyth, Robbie Walsh, Paul Wilson and Aiden Welsh made sure that the opposition would not increase the margin further with resolute defense and the game ended 3-1 in favor of the home side.

At an after-match reception Fergal Barrett was presented with the man-of-the-match award.